
iRUE WEALTH: 



c,fc'^lv> 



4^ 



A DRAMA 



IN FOUR SCENES. 



BY REV. H. J.LATOUR. 



NEW YORK: 
National Temperance SDciety and Publication House, 
58 Reade Street. 
1881. 



TRUE WEALTH 



A DRAMA 



IN FOUR SCENES 



/ 
BY REV, 11. J. LATOUR 






NEW YORK: ^ 
National Temperance Society and Publication House, 
58 Reade Street. 
1881. 



^ 



75^3 r 



COPYRIGHT, 

J. N. STEARNS, Publishing Agent. 
i88t. 



TRUE WEALTH: 

A DRAMA IN FOUR SCENES. 



DRAMATIS PERSONS. 

George Allman, a young mechanic. 
Sam Thomas, son of a wealthy liquor merchant. 
Squire Clark, a gentleman of the Old School. 
Mrs. Squire Clark, wife of the Squire, with high 

notions. 
Julia Clark, daughter of the Squire. 
Sambo, a colored servant. 
Mike, a barkeeper. 
Jim, Jack, and Pete, saloon loafers. 

SCENE I— Parlor. 

A table at center of stage. Squire C. seated on right 
of table, Mrs. C. at left. Squire reading. 

Mrs. Clark. — Now, Squire, I won't have it; this 
thing of George Allman coming here to see our Julia, 
must be stopped. 



4 TRUE WEALTH. 

Squire C \in suf'J>rise\. — Why? 

Mrs. C. — ^Vhy, he is only a poor mechanic ! and I 
think our JuHa can do better ; for example, there is 
Mr. Thomas : any one can see with half an eye that 
he is dead in love with Julia. He is young, hand- 
some, and wealthy ; and, in my estimation, worth ten 
Georges. 

Squire C. — That may be, my dear ; but I must say 
that Sam Thomas does not keep the company or bear 
the reputation that I would like a son-in-law of mine 
to have. He is too often found in the saloon and 
in the company of bar-room loungers. While, on the 
other hand, no one can say a word against George. 

Mrs. C. — O pshaw, Squire, you must remember that 
all young men must sow their wild oats. 

Squire C. — No, I do not forget that some do sow 
wild oats ; and I also remember that those who sow 
wild oats will also reap them, for the good book says, 
*'Asye sow, so shall ye reap" [rises']. But I must 
go up to the office — Sam. 

E?iter Sam. 
Sam. — Yes, sah. 
Squire. — Bring my hat and cane. 

[Exit Sam ; returns with hat and cane. 



TRUE WEALTH. 5 

Scini. — Dab, heah sah, 

\Exit Squire and Sam. 

Mrs. C. — Well, what queer ideas the Squire has to 
be sure, and Julia seems to have inherited them. 
How hard I have tried to give her proper ideas of 
her position in life, and the difference between her 
and the daughters of the poor mechanics around us. 
Still, she will persist in visiting them, and have them 
visit her ; for the Squire's sake, I treat them as well 
as I can, for their fathers and brothers have votes ; 
but I do wish it was here as it is in Europe, then we 
-could make them keep their distance. Ah, here comes 
Julia ; her cheeks rosy from the effects of her morning 
walk. Well, I declare, if that fellow George Allman 
has not stopped to speak to her. Such impudence ! 
I must put a stop to it ; and she seems glad to see 
him, too. 

Enter Julia. 

Julia. — Oh, mamma ! I had such a pleasant walk 
this morning. The birds are singing, the dew glisten- 
ing in the sunshine, and the grass and trees are look- 
ing so fresh and green. But, oh, mother, one thing 
nearly spoilt my \valk ! A man came out of the 
saloon drunk ; what a horrid object he was. How 
thankful I am that father does not get drunk. But I 
would be happier did he not drink at all. 



6 TRUE WEALTH. 

Mrs. C — Nonsense ; your father drinks only wine> 
and none but the best at that. 

Julia. — Yes, mother ; but in our Bible-class last 
Sunday, we read, *' Wine is a mocker." 

Mrs. C. — Well, never mind that now. Julia, I wish 
you would not stop and talk with every one you meet, 
it is not lady-like. 

Julia. — Why, mother, I do not stop and speak to 
every one. 

Mrs. C. — Well, I saw you talking to young Allman. 
I think he ought to know better than to stop you on 
the streets ; but I suppose he never was taught any 
better. 

Julia. — You are mistaken, mother, he did not stop 
me ; I spoke to him first, for I wanted to ask him 
about his mother ; she is sick, you know. Now, 
mother, what is there wrong about George ? only last 
night I heard father praise him for his '* noble charac- 
ter;" those were father's own words, and surely I 
ought not to fear or be ashamed of one of whom father 
thus speaks. 

Mrs. C. — Your father means well ; but, my dear,, 
you must remember your station, and choose your 
associates from among your equals. Now, there is 
Mr. Thomas ; you scarcely notice him, and his family- 
is the wealthiest in the county. 



TRUE WEALTH. 'j 

Julia, — Oh, mother, what is wealth ? Mr. Thomas' 
father has a large store in New York, but what are its 
contents ? Wines and liquors. How has he gained 
his wealth ? How many households have been ruined, 
that he might ride in his carriage, wear rich clothing, 
and build that beautiful mansion on the hill ? 

Mrs. C. — Why, what nonsense ; where did you 
learn such stuff? Oh, dear! Oh, dear! see what 
your low associates have done. Your father must put 
a stop to these low associations, since they put such 
ideas in your head. 

JuHa. — Mother, the associations that would make 
us better, that would lead us to do all we can to save 
men from ruin, can not be low. Mother, the drunken 
man I saw this morning was Sam Thomas. 

[Curtain. 



SCENE II— A Bar-Room. 

Table, chairs, rude counter ; barkeeper behind counter ; 
roughs seated around on chairs. 

Mike, the barkeeper. — Well, fellers, you ain't mak- 
ing much business to-day ; I guess I won't set out 
any lunch for ye, unless some one comes in and treats. 
\Enter Sam Thomas]. Hello, Sam ! how are ye I 



8 TRUE WEALTH, 

S(ifn T. — Jolly, old boy ! come, trot out your best 
brandy ; I have been drinking wine this morning, but 
it don't taste like anything. Hello, fellers ! step up 
and drink. \They step tip; glasses are filled ; they 
d?'ink\. Now, that tastes like it; fill them up again. 
Now, boys, here's a toast : To the handsomest girl in 
the village. 

Mike. — Oh, here ! who is she ? there are lots of 
pretty girls in our village. 

[Sambo stands at right side, or window^ looking i?i. 

Sam. — All right. Here's to Julia Clark, the Squire's 
daughter, the future IVlrs. Thomas. 

yiliey drink. 

Sambo. — I golly, what would de old woman say if 
she heard this, Miss Julia's name spoked in dis place ? 
I speck she tink dat rich folks ain't all de best. I 
golly, dat Massa Thomas am a bad man ; sorry he 
name is Sam ; must change mine sure, Massa Squire 
musent call me Sam any more. 

[Curtain. 



1 



TRUE WEALTH. 



SCE:NE III— Same as First. 

Julia seated at table serving. Enter Sambo with 
letters. 

Sambo. — Heah, Miss Julia, is de mail ; dar be two 
'l)istles for you. \IIatids tJiem to /ler]. 

Julia. — Thank you, Sam. .. 

Sam. — Miss Julia, will you do dis chile a favor ? I 
doesen't like de name of Sam any moah, and would 
be berry glad if you call me Sambo for short. 

Julia. — Why, Sambo, why don't you like to be called 
Sam ? 

Sam. — Because, Miss Julia, dah is some white men 
in dis place dat disgraces de name of Sam, and dar- 
fore dis chile done discard it, and desclines to belong 
to it any more. 

Julia. — Very well. Sambo, I will try to remember ; 
you can go. \JF.xit Sambo]. [Julia opens letter, 
reads'] : 

*' My DEAR Miss Julia : — You doubtless are aware 
of my consuming love for you ; for though my tongue 
has not spoken, yet my eyes have not failed to express 
what my tongue could not utter. I offer you wealth, 
for you know I am an only son, and my father's for- 



lO TRUE WEALTH. 

tune AviU all be mine by right of inheritance. My 
father and mother approve of my clioice, and will 
gladly welcome you as a daughter. I will surround 
yon with all the comforts and enjoyments that wealth 
can purchase. I will call this evening for my answer. 
" Your devoted servant, 

" Samuel Thomas, Jr." 

\S/>eaks], Well, how highly honored I am to be 
sure ; quite flattered I ought to be, sure ; " all that 
wealth can purchase," and the only drawback the 
thought of the widows' tears, the groans of the orphans, 
and the bitter curses of the families made desolate^ 
that the wealth might be won. No ! no ! The draw- 
back is too great. Mr. Thomas, my answer is ready. 
But I must not forget the other note. It seems to be 
George's handwriting; what can he write about ? surely 
his mother is not worse ? [0/>e;is letter^ reads] : 

" Miss Julia : — I hardly know how to address you ; 
pardon me for my presumption, for I have dared to 
love you. I have no wealth to offer you, only a true, 
loving heart, that will prompt me to shield you from 
the world's storms. I know the difference between 
us, yet I dare hope that I am not altogether without 
favor in your eyes. You nave known me for years, 
and I need say no more for myself. I love you, and 



TRUE WEALTH. II 

desire your hand and heart for life. I will call this 

evening for my answer. If I dare hope, wear a white 

rose in your hair. 

" Sincerely yours, 

" George Allman." 

\Spea/:s]. Well, how blind George must be not to 
know that he was all the world to me. No wealth to 
offer — only a true, loving heart. The woman who wins 
that, has what wealth can never purchase. Yes, dear 
George, I will wear the white rose. 

£;i^er Mrs. C. 

Mrs. C. — Well, Julia, what's the news ? I see you 
have received some letters. 

Julia. — Mr. Samuel Thomas has honored me with 
the offer of his hand and his father's fortune. 

Mrs. C. — Indeed ! and like a dear, good girl, yon 
have accepted him ? 

Julia, — Accepted him ! No, mother ; surely you 
would not have me risk my life's happiness with him ? 
Why, the last evening he was here his breath was foul 
with the atmosphere of the whisky-barrel, and it was 
all I could do to stand it, even with the window open. 
Just think of breathing that atmosphere for life ! 

Mrs. C. — But, , my dear child, he loves you well 



12 TRUE WEALTH. 

enough to be careful not to drink too much ; and if 
you marry him, I know he will reform, and drink 
nothing but wine, for your sake. 

Julia. — Oh, mother, the little foxes spoil the vine ; 
the drunkard and the wine-bibber walk side by side. 
And, mother, I — love — some one else ; and he — has 
asked me too, and I — 

Mrs. C. — Some one else ? Well ! well ! And who 
is it, pray ? I can't think of any one in our circle. 

Julia. — I don't know what you mean by our circle ; 
but George is worthy of a place in any circle. 

Mrs. C. — George ! Oh, dear me ! just to think, 
George, that poor, miserable mechanic ! 

Julia. — No, mother ; George, the honest mechanic ! 
rich in industry, honor, virtue, and self-respect ; for 
these, and these only, are true wealth [door-bell rings]. 
Ah ! I must get my rose. \^Exit. 

Mrs. C— Well ! well ! well ! \Exif. 

Enter Samuel Thomas, shown in by Sambo. 

Sambo. — Sit down, sah. Miss Julia soon be in, sah. 
\Aside\. I just wish Miss Julia knowed what I knose. 
I know what dat fellow w€int, he fixed up awful nice. 
I gwine to stand close by de door and find out, 

\Exk. 



TRUE WEALTH. 



13 



Enter Julia. 

fulia. — Good-evening, Mr. Thomas. 

\BotlL seated. 

Sam T. — Good-evening, Miss Julia. I suppose you 
received my letter, Miss Julia, and are prepared to 
answer ? 

Julia. — Yes, sir ; my answer is no. I value my 
future happiness too much to risk it in the hands of 
one who cares nothing for his own welfare, in this 
life or the life to come. 

S. T. — I do not understand you. 

Julia. — Your devotion to the wine-cup, Mr. Thomas, 
is what I have special reference to. There are but a 
iQW steps between the drinker and the sot. You are 
on the road, and it will be but a short time before you 
reach the bottom. For your own sake, Mr. Thomas, 
be warned in time. 

'5'. T. — Thank you, Miss Julia. I was not aware 

of the fact that you were one of those temperance 

fanatics, and I am glad I found it out in time. 

Sam \1iolding the door ajar]. — I golly ! 

S. T. [rises, takes his hat\. — Good-evening, Miss 

Julia. , lExit. Curtaiiu 



14 TRUE WEALTH. 

SCENE IV— Same as First. 

Table center. George A. at right; ']v\ak at left. 
Mrs. C, dressed in blacky asleep in easy-chair on 
left. 

Efiter Sambo, with paper. 

Sambo. — Heah, sah, is de Evening Stah, dat twinkles 
for all. [Exit. 

Julia. — Sambo loses none of his humor in spite of 
advancing years. Ah ! it seems but a few days since 
we were married and father's death. 

George A. — Yes, the time has passed rapidly, seven 
years since you took pity on poor me, and six years 
since father died. Mother seems contented now. 

Julia. — It was hard for mother to become recon- 
ciled. But now I believe she loves you almost as 
well as me. 

Mrs. C. \awakes\. — Well, George, what is the news 
this evening ? 

G. A. — I have not read yet \opens paper'] ; well, I 
declare ! [Reads] : " Terrible affair last night at Rox- 
berry ! A fire was discovered in some low shanties on 
the south side, and in a few minutes they were totally 
destroyed. A short time afterward, some children 
playing in the ruins, found the body of a man. On 



TRUE WEALTH. I5 

examination it proved to be the remains of a man by 
the name of Sam Thomas. Three years ago Thomas 
became the possessor of quite a sum of money by the 
death of his father, who was a liquor-dealer in Boston. 
Being of very dissipated habits, he soon spent hjs for- 
tune. About a year ago his wife separated from him, 
his vile habits rendering her life intolerable. He is 
supposed to have been intoxicated at the time of his 
death. " 

Julia.— Ud^Y God have mercy on him ! Ah ! how 
thankful I am that I learned to value true wealth be- 
fore he came to me. 

Mrs. C— And I, daughter, have true reason to be 
thankful also. \All rise and face audience]. And 
now, my dear friends, I pray you take heed of the les- 
son we have tried to teach. Remember, in choosing 
companions for life, that he and she only are rich who 
possess Honor, Virtue, Industry, and Temperance. 

Sambo.--T>3.i's so. [Curtaifh 



LIBRftRY OF CONGRESS 

H 

017 373 240 '"'s" 



